The Office of Student Success and Development is here for you from the moment you register for your first class until you receive your diploma. When you get accepted, you are paired with a coordinator who can assist you with overcoming personal barriers or just answer your questions. We often help students with navigating SUNY Empire systems and procedures, getting connected to resources, and understanding how to work best with your mentor. We offer workshops throughout every term, and you can learn more about those on our website. We want you to feel comfortable reaching out to our office, so each month, we will introduce you to one of the Student Success & Development team members. If you think you need some help from our office we encourage you to email us at StudentSuccess@esc.edu or call 800-847-3000 ext. 1110. 

 

Meet Callie Montalvo-Patel, Student Success and Development Coordinator!

Background info: 

While I have been in my role and in higher education for quite some time, I originally come from the art non-profit and museum world. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in arts administration from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Arts in museum communication from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve held a variety of positions in this field in different departments such as communications, education, and programming. As these organizations began to offer nontraditional learning spaces for their exhibits and collections, I grew more interested in accessibility, graphic design, and universal design. I even researched and shared my experience with accessibility in the museum for my thesis! My growing interest and advocacy for accessibility have fueled the work that I do and pushed me to collaborate as a liaison to the Accessibility Resources and Services office as well as being involved with the collegewide Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.   

 
How long have you been working here? 

Almost 7.5 years!  

 
Where are you located? 

You can find me at our Manhattan or Staten Island locations throughout the week or virtually with my trusty sidekick and pup, Comet, who likes to observe our SSD evening workshops.   

 
What’s your favorite part of your job? 

The favorite part of my job is not only connecting with students and colleagues, but more specifically being able to collaborate, whether it is working on a solution to a concern or being creative in developing a plan. Seeing a student’s “light bulb” or “ah-ha” moment is fantastic as well. While a student will feel more empowered in that moment, it is rewarding in my position to see those from the other side of the desk – if you catch my drift. Every situation that comes to our office is different, so that moment is rewarding, and it helps influence what SSD offers. Learning more from the students and colleagues keeps me going and supports my passion. 

If you were a potato, how would you like to be cooked? 

Smashed and baked with whatever spice you’re in the mood for is awesome and keeps things creative! If you are a huge fan of potato fillings in a samosa, empanada, or even a knish, smashed/mashed potatoes are fantastic, in my opinion. If you are ever looking for a smashed potato recipe, just Google it! There are so many! Here is a great recipe, Mediterranean style – click here! (https://www.themediterraneandish.com/crispy-smashed-potatoes/)   

 
What is a fun fact you’d like to share? 

Before I share, I have to say that as a Gemini, it is so hard to choose. In short, I am your typical band geek or music nerd. From high school into college, I was in almost every ensemble possible. In orchestra or band, I played B-flat clarinet, E-flat alto clarinet, and alto saxophone. In vocal ensembles, I was a part of the alto section! And in the marching band, I was the clarinet section leader for a couple of years. So, in a long-winded explanation – I will always be the friend in the car singing the harmonies or singing a song in a different key. Even though I had to discontinue performing in my local community band, I am hoping to take up sitar in the future. 

 
What is a piece of advice that you would share with a student? 

Keep connected with the college. Whether it’s an online workshop, a collegewide event, or even frequent attendance with an Academic Support meeting or workshop, staying engaged and building relationships is vital for your overall growth not only academically, but personally and professionally.